Has anyone had any luck with the progestogen-only pill?

[_Tamsin_]

My doctors are currently trying to get me to control my pain with back to back pills. I am only on my 2nd month of this so I haven't noticed any difference yet. My doc has suggested the coil, but I am not keen on the idea at all. It is something I would like to avoid if possible. I would quite like to try the progestogen-only pill as I heard this prevents you having periods. Has anyone had any success with it?

[Jembee]

I have been on it for 6 months stopped the period but no luck stopping the pain!

[A123]

I have a coil and progesterone pill. I have not had a period since I had it. The odd spotting when I just had the coil but nothing with both combined.

I have the mirena coil, it hurt for a while when I first got it, nothing compared with endo pain, but it stopped everything from working. I kept developing cysts so they suggested the coil, it wasn't enough to stop them on its own but combined with noristhesterone and provera it is the only combination that has stopped cysts. It did help the pain to start with but only for about 6 months for me. The pain is now back and almost constant but I have it quite severely and I think the problem is the severity of my endo and the meds just don't come close to helping.

It depends what you are going on it for. If it's pain I personally haven't found it much help but for me it was stopping, or slowing down cyst growth which it has done so it has been worth it.

I wouldn't rule out the coil, I was sceptical but it has been good. I never feel it and am so much better on it that I was with any combined pill. I have had a few burst cysts so didn't find insertion painful - I know a lot of women say it is agony when they insert it. It certainly isn't nice but it's not that bad at all. I would rather have a coil fitted than endo!!

I also find progesterone pills do not make you as depressed, they don't make your boobs painful or bigger either. I am much happier on them and have much more energy. Everyone is different but I would say over all progesterone is better for me.

I am not sure if it is the progesterone pill and the coil that is doing it but recently I have found that as my period have been stopped for so long my body is constantly "trying" to carry on naturally so I think this is what is causing my constant pain. It seems to be worse in the intervals I do not take the progesterone pill so it may be worth really checking the dosage levels with your doctor before you start taking it if you are worried. If your endo isn't severe don't rule out the coil it really is a good option.

If you have any questions do message me if you want more intimate details or have any questions.

A xx

[Cooka]

Have you read up on bio-identical hormones? (natural progesterone) which is more compatible with our bodies hence minimal size effects as opposed to the synthetic ones prescribed by most docs. Most pharmacies compound the bio-identical hormones.

[federica]

I've been on Cerazette for quite a while now. The period went away immediately but I had some spotting for a while. After the first months everything disappeared and the pain went away completely. I can now live my life normally as I couldn't do before with all the pain all the time. I think you need to give it more time (4-6 months) to understand if it is working for you.

[AshleyJ]

Hi Tasmin - I have been on the progestogen-only pill ("norethisterone") since November, and for the first few weeks it was horrible I had really bad headaches, breakthrough bleeding and was constantly in a bad mood. But now I find it is working fantastically for me. I have no pain at all as long as I remember to take it every day. My moods have definitely evened out as well, and I no longer get any bleeding. Maybe try another progestogen-only pill? Also it does take a while for your body to get use to the new hormones. Good luck!

[_Tamsin_]

Thanks for the replies everyone, good to hear that some of you have had success with the progestogen only pill. I am quite keen to try something that temporarily gets rid of my periods to see if it helps. I admit I don't know much about treatment for endometriosis as it is all quite new to me.

A, thank you for info about the coil. I will definitely consider it, I would rather have the coil then endo pain definitely. Sorry to hear that your pain has returned, I hope things start to get better for you X

[sparkledancer]

I am taking Cerazette. It is great I have no periods, but unfortunately they think my endometriosis is back. I thought the chances of it recurring would be low by being on a progestogen only pill. I still of course need it diagnosing. I think it is good to try things though...everyone is different and reacts differently to treatment options. Good luck!

[sparkledancer]

Interestingly, my GP has stopped me taking Cerazette as she thinks it is playing havoc with my hormones and causing me other symptoms too. I am not allowed to be on any contraceptive pill until things settle down.

[maeR]

I have been on the mexydroxy Progesteone pill...taking 2 a day for over a year now. I have had no pain or periods until a week ago. I am starting to have mild pain/severe discomfort now. discomfortnowNo period still but I feel it all coming back. I am on no other meds.

[Kerri215]

I was on the pill back to back for 3 months and just felt so uncomfortable. Like you i wanted to avoid the coil... but i needed a 2nd lapo and agreed i would try coil...best thing i ever did!!!! The coil isnt as bad as i thought it was... periods so light now too.

[RedbudTree]

The coil contains some progesterone, but can use much less because of how it’s distributed in your body. I had one for three years and was mostly pain-free for about 18 months of that, but eventually I think the coil personally made my cramps worse. I had it removed several months ago even though it could theoretically have stayed in for two more years. I know people who have done great on the Mirena coil and it also interferes with other medications less.

Now I’m taking norethindrone acetate (similar to norethisterone - a progesterone only medication) at a pretty high dose. It stops my bleeding but I’ve continued to ovulate so I still have some pain.

I’d say that giving your back-to-back pills some time makes sense if it isn’t making things worse. It took about 3 months for the norethindrone acetate to stop my bleeding.